During an evening cruise on August 7, 2025, a rider on the Frightening Bolt waterslide, one of the six adrenaline-pumping attractions in the ship’s Category 6 waterpark, encountered a dangerous malfunction: an acrylic glass panel broke mid-ride, leaving a gaping hole while water poured out onto Deck 15 below.
Though no one fell through, the incident resulted in a rider sustaining skin lacerations from legs to hands. Thankfully, they received immediate care from the ship’s medical team.
The slide has since been closed pending a full investigation and repairs.
Immediate Actions Taken
- Medical care was provided to the injured guest immediately.
- The Frightening Bolt slide was closed for the remainder of the sailing, pending investigation and repairs.
- Deck 15 and surrounding areas were temporarily restricted to ensure passenger safety.
One person on reddit stated: “Forget about falling down from that high (which most likely wouldn’t kill you), but instead think about being the person who causes the breakage, and receiving the excruciating pain of getting that sharp fiberglass up your groin/back at 5-10 mph.”
OUCH.
Have Royal Caribbean public commented yet?
No, not yet. Royal Caribbean have not commented on this.
Is This Common?
Incidents like this are very rare. Waterslides and thrill attractions on cruise ships undergo rigorous safety inspections and must meet strict international maritime regulations before they can open to the public. In the case of Icon of the Seas, this is the first major mechanical failure reported from its Category 6 waterpark since its launch in early 2024.
Cruise ships are among the most regulated travel environments in the world. Every mechanical system, whether it’s propulsion or a waterslide, is tested repeatedly for safety, and crew are trained to respond quickly to emergencies. This rapid response likely prevented the injury from being much worse.
So, should this incident put you off cruising?
No. While it’s unsettling, it’s also exceptionally uncommon. If you’re considering a cruise with waterslides or thrill features, this incident shouldn’t deter you. Just as you wouldn’t stop going to amusement parks after hearing about a rare ride malfunction, the same applies here. Use it as a reminder to always follow safety instructions, but don’t let it overshadow the joys of cruise travel.
Saying that… One reddit user stated: “there are ships with the same configuration (steep drop and trapdoor element) like on Disney Magic, and Carnival Spirit/Pride that are decades older and have no real maintenance faults. it makes it seem like royal is cutting corners with safety and engineering to pump out ship after ship”. I don’t know if there’s any truth about that, but it does seem like Royal‘s reputation is starting to become affected.
I love waterslides (as you might know from my viral video – 20 million views, wtf), and this would never put me off. Sure, I probably won’t go on any waterslides until I’ve been reassured it’s fixed and tested, but you’ll still find me at Lime and Coconut.
Guest FAQs: At a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Was anyone seriously hurt? | No life-threatening injuries reported, only lacerations treated onboard. |
| Is the slide now open? | No, it remains closed until safety can be fully assured. |
| Could structural defects be to blame? | It’s being investigated; some speculate on material stress or design flaws. |
| Does this incident reflect wider safety issues? | Waterslide incidents are rare; cruise ships undergo rigorous safety standards. |
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